Melton understands there’s a lot to learn in the flatbed trucking industry, that is why they make sure that our new drivers get the experience they need in order to be safe and successful on the road. Thus, Melton created the Road Trainer Program back in 2012. Then, in 2018, Joe Wingard took over the program management along with Mai Vang who assists on the logistics side of the program.
The purpose of the program is to match new drivers with an experienced trainer based on personality traits and personal preferences. After the match is made, the student and trainer go out on the road together for approximately 3 weeks. Our Melton Road Trainers guide, instruct, and coach the new drivers using the topics of Smith On-Road Training system, load securement/tarping for flatbed trucking, planning trips, fuel conservation techniques, and basically how to live life over the road. The trainer also gives a performance review of the trainee each week making sure they are learning what they need in order to perform unaccompanied. This is all experience that drivers may not get in the training room or from a book, as Melton understands those limitations.
Since the inception of the program, the trainer fleet has reached over 120 trainers and it has placed roughly 3,800 entry level drivers on trainer trucks. The program only intends to grow and train quality individuals to teach the future of Melton.
Our very own Jim Johnson has been a Road Trainer since 2017 and has trained over 24 trainees. He was recently recognized as Great Dane’s 2019 Safety Ambassador for have the top scorecard ranking company-wide! With over 15 years OTR experience, he states the reason he became a trainer was to, “share my knowledge and help train the next generation of Melton truck drivers.”
We thank Jim for his desire to teach and help new drivers and we are proud to have him on our team. We also appreciate those who manager our Road Trainers program, Joe and Mai, who work diligently to make sure that our drivers are placed with trainers that fit their needs. Our goal to is to create and maintain the best learning experience possible.
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